Today, we are celebrating a truly extraordinary member of the Black Country Women’s Aid family. Helen Leatherland, our oldest volunteer, turns 80. While her age is impressive, it’s her unwavering dedication, energy and compassion that make her truly remarkable.

A decade of dedication

Helen has been volunteering with BCWA for over 10 years, and in that time, she has become an indispensable part of our team. Whether it’s collecting food and toiletries, raising vital funds, or speaking at community groups to raise awareness of our services, Helen is always the first person we call.

Bringing joy at Christmas

Helen has wrapped hundreds of Christmas presents for children who might otherwise go without. In 2024 alone, she helped us sort over 1,300 gifts for families in need, ensuring that every child had something special to open.

Championing creativity and healing

When women at our modern slavery safe house wanted to start a sewing club, Helen stepped in immediately. She sourced 10 sewing machines and enough fabric to cover half of Sandwell, helping survivors rebuild confidence and community through creativity.

Making memories by the sea

Helen plays a key role in our annual Bucket and Spade appeal, raising thousands of pounds to send refuge families on a healing day trip to Blackpool. These trips help families affected by domestic abuse make joyful memories and give children seaside stories to share with classmates, something many have never had before.

Emergency support and essentials

Her support doesn’t stop there. Helen has helped sort countless food bank donations, ensuring emergency welcome packs are ready for those escaping violence with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Her donation drives for essentials like clothes (and extras like Easter eggs) help us build trust and support recovery.

Inspiring others

Helen’s impact reaches far beyond logistics. She is an incredible ambassador for BCWA, inspiring corporate partners, event attendees, and even her teenage granddaughter, who completed work experience with us this summer.

A life of compassion

Helen’s motivation stems from her 30-year career in HR and her time at Smethwick Job Centre, where she saw firsthand the impact of domestic abuse. After BCWA supported a friend of hers, Helen knew she wanted to be part of our life-changing work.

Thank you, Helen

Helen is as fit and active as ever, and we are endlessly grateful for her generosity, energy and heart. Her commitment helps victims become survivors, and her legacy continues to inspire us all.

Happy 80th Birthday, Helen. Thank you for being a true ambassador for Black Country Women’s Aid.